Acorn Motorsport Division

Acorn have entered the world of the ever more popular sport of drift car racing. Now despite common belief, this does not mean that we hang out late at night burning rubber in the local Tesco carpark. No... Drifting is one of the fastest growing professional sports in the UK right now and we're extremely excited to be a part of it. Check out this short video taken from our last outing at Knockhill:

Acorn Zenises Motorsport headed to Knockhill Race Circuit in Scotland for the second round of the British Drift Championship.

The team arrived at the track with high expectations after the endless hours of preparation back at the workshop and a new engine build by Abbey Motorsport for Baggsy leading up to the event.

With 40 drivers vying for 16 spaces it would touch and go. Ian narrowly missed out with 19th place but very creditable and Keilan in only his 2nd event had qualified in 1st place. A great achievement.

In Super Pro Mark achieved 20th ahead of some very big names who did not make the cut and Baggsy was in at No.8. So, 2 out of 4 in the finals was not a bad result and Ian & Mark remain motivated to try harder still at the next round.

As No.1 qualifier Keilan went up against Ollie Ellmore in the Boss Motorsport R33. He dominated proceedings until a spin on the very last corner meant an early bath. Very sad after showing so much promise but were sure he will bounce back bigger and better with this experience under his arm.

(Above: Keilan in action)

The Super Pro class really has got so much tougher in 2014, with top drivers from all over Europe now showing their hand. Baggsy was drawn against Round 1 winner and Irish sensation Jack Shanahan in the Nexen Tyre S14. He couldn’t have had a tougher start. Then, to top it off, the rain started. This really would be a test of nerve and skill. Both runs were so close and the judges asked the drivers to go One More Time. Baggsy came out victorious and the team were elated.

(Above: Baggsy VS Shanahan)

The rain got heavier and Baggsy was drawn against more tough opposition - No.1 qualifier and another Irish legend, Wes Keating in the Nangkang Tyre S13. Fate was not helping here. Again a very close battle with the judges again insisting on a One More Time.Baggsy just edged it and moved onto the next round. Smooth, consistent and aggressive driving handing him the win.

(Above: Baggsy battling with Wes Keating)

Then Baggsy was up against the past Champion Matt Carter in the Falken R32 Skyline. What was hailed as the best battle of the weekend, the drivers were thrilling the crowd with door on door action. Another One More Time and Baggsy went through pulling a bigger gap on the second run.

(Above: Baggsy VS Matt Carter)

So the Final and Martin Batty with his awesome S15R35 machine awaited. One battle was not enough see separate them and it was again run One More Time.

On the second run, Baggsy dropped a wheel centimetres off track whilst leading. This was all the judges had to separate them and in turn, Baggsy finished 2nd. To rank so highly out of a top quality field was nothing short of a fantastic result. But to fall short by the narrowest of margins keeps us motivated for the next event.

(Above: Baggsy on the Podium)

Speaking after the close of play Baggsy said “I am so thrilled to achieve yet another podium this season. Both UK and European programmes are going really well in 2014 so far. The entire team have pulled together in recent weeks to ensure the car and the support is all there come race day.”

We are already looking forward to the next event to try and go one step better. Keilan was overjoyed with his best showing so far. “To qualify first in the car at only my second competitive event was amazing. I cannot wait to get back in the seat and push myself again.”

Mark Lappage was also still feeling positive. “The standards are improving to such a high level now that simply qualifying is a huge achievement in itself. Both myself and the car are getting better round by round and I plan on pushing the front runners hard at the next round in July”.

Ian Waddington again had his best performance of the year and just narrowly missed out on qualification. “The car is perfect after extensive work to improve it. The confidence is flowing now and I expect a much better showing next time out.”